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Medical Author:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Medical Editor:

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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The snake is almost always more scared of the human, than the human is of the snake, it is assumed because giving the snake the opportunity to escape prevents most bites. However, most snakes will try to bite if cornered or frightened.

• Do not attempt to handle, capture, or tease venomous snakes or snakes of unknown identity. In the US, approximately 40% of snakebites occur when the victim tries to capture a snake or handles a snake carelessly.
• Snakebites are often associated with alcohol use. Alcohol intake can weaken a person's inhibitions, making it more likely that they might attempt to pick up a snake. Alcohol also decreases coordination, increasing the probability of a mishap.
• Individuals can help prevent significant bites by wearing boots while hiking or working where snakes may live. Long pants can reduce the severity of a bite. When in snake country, be cautious where you place your hands and feet (for example, when gathering firewood or collecting berries), and never walk barefooted.
• If a person's occupation or hobby exposes them to dangerous snakes on a regular basis, preplanning before a potential bite may save a life. Since not every physician is familiar with snakebites and not every hospital has or knows how to obtain antivenin, providing information regarding the type of snake, type of venom, and the procurement and use of antivenom can help the medical staff treat the victim.
• Local poison control centers will usually have a listing of the local facilities with antivenins. The contact number for the National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can help direct anyone in the US to local facilities with appropriate antivenin stock.